Millburn Resident Awarded Prize in Verismo Opera Vocal Competition

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera announces soprano Victoria Cannizzo received third place in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera 2014 Annual International Vocal Competition. Cannizzo, a resident of Millburn, New Jersey, was awarded a $500 prize.

She has portrayed Leonora in Verdi’s Il Trovatore with Baltimore Concert Opera and Tri-Cities Opera. In New Jersey, Ms. Cannizzo has also performed with the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea and in recital with Jane Steele.

Cannizzo has been recognized with several other awards. This past year, she was named the Grand Prize winner of the 2014 Metropolitan International Vocal Competition. The previous year, she received second prize in the New Jersey State Opera Competition. In 2012, she received a scholarship at the International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel and the 2011 St. Bonaventure Prize from the Liederkranz Foundation in New York. She holds a Master of Music in Opera from Binghamton University and a Bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Chicago.

The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Annual International Vocal Competition offered rising opera stars an opportunity to develop their careers, participate in master classes, receive essential feedback, and perform in a professional setting. First prize vocal competition winner José Heredia will perform the role of Jose in the company’s new production of Carmen on April 26 at Verismo Opera’s home theatre, Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), in Englewood, New Jersey at 3:00 p.m.

Verismo Opera launched the competition with preliminary auditions held in November 2014 at bergenPAC’s Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge in Englewood, New Jersey. The preliminary auditions featured a luminary panel of judges: Met Opera legend Lucine Amara, Artistic Director, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera; Gloria Gari, Chair, The Gulio Gari Foundation; Anthony Morss, Music Director/Principal Conductor, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera; and Evelyn La Quaif, General Manager/Principal Stage Director, New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera. Pianist Bob Wilson accompanied the singers.

The competition held master classes in early 2015, culminating with finals conducted at Liederkranz Hall in New York City. Finalists attended free master classes taught by Lucine Amara and Evelyn La Quaif. They received critical feedback; extensive free coaching on language, style and presentation; and the prospect to perform in Verismo Opera’s fully staged upcoming productions.

An illustrious panel of judges adjudicated the final round of the competition made up of Met Opera tenor Francisco Casanova, conductor Anthony Morss and conductor Joseph Rescigno. Pianist Mara Waldman accompanied the finalists.

27th Annual International Vocal Competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 27th Annual International Vocal Competition. Vocalists of all ages are invited to apply. Preliminary auditions will take place at bergenPAC’s Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, from November 1-14, 2015. The application deadline is October 31, 2015. Final auditions will take place in early 2016.

The early bird registration fee, $55, is in effect through July 31, 2015, changing to $75 on August 1, 2015.

All applicants are required to send a resume, bio, a MP3 file or a CD containing at least three arias, an 8 x 10 black and white photo, and the application fee. Applicants will be notified if they are accepted into the competition. To request an application or for further information, contact info@verismopera.org or call (201) 886-0561.

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